69 Ways to Save Money on Travel
Here are dozens of ways, big and small, that can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on your upcoming vacations. Even if you are a smart saver and savvy traveler, there are sure to be several tips that are new to you which can save you big money!
The tips cover ways to save big bucks on lodging, food, entertainment, communication, transportation and more!
Plus, there is a Bonus Tip to make sure you get the most bang for your travel dollars.
There are so many tips, I had to break them into two episodes.
Part I covers tips #1-39 and Part II covers tips #40-69 plus the Bonus Tip.
You can get more details and listen to them here or from any podcast app.
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode – it’s FREE!
1. Take Advantage of Free and Discounted Activities
- Museums often have discounted or free days once a month
- Some events offer standing tickets: For example, the expensive Vienna State Opera main seating might set you back 150 euro, but you might snag a standing ticket right behind him for 4 Euro! However, you will have to get there early and stand in line though.
- Many churches are free or ask for a donation and are living works of art and history
- Check the community calendar for area events, often free and you’ll mix with the locals
Facebook ‘like’ key attractions in the area to learn about deals or specials; ditto airlines and lodging as more and more they are offering special deals only over social media to their ‘friends’.Ask the Locals for suggestions on what to do
My sister and I learned about a non-touristy area hike that we could get to by bus for a couple of dollars. That stunning hike was not in guide books and was the highlight of our trip. Ask your host and other locals where do they like to spend their time off? Can they recommend a favorite restaurant?
2. Check out local online savings websites
In New Zealand, I was able to book a fancy breakfast at half price, and got big savings on multiple activities through a website called bookme.co.nz Look for Groupons or other deal sites for possibilities.
3. Figure out whether to book activities before you go or on the ground
Usually it is cheaper to book once you are there, but unfortunately not always. However, in some countries it might be more expensive to wait until you get there to book. Check forums to see so you know which way to play it. But if you are going in the high season and you really want to do a particular thing, go ahead and book it so you aren’t disappointed.
4. Get discounts for your special memberships
Do you belong to a special group? Are you a student? Ditto if you are a senior or military. Do you belong to AAA or AARP? Be sure to bring your ID and membership cards. Is is worth joining the hostel association? Join frequent miler accounts for you airlines and lodging.
5. Visit the local Tourist Information Office
See if the local tourist information booth has any coupons or offers. Look at the back of tourist magazines for coupons.
6. Use Travel Hotel Guides for road trips – but pick them up before your get there
If you are on a road trip, be sure to pick up the magazine in the state BEFORE the one you are going to as the local gas station’s book probably won’t have the local hotel coupons because the guide book company knows you are ready to stop. So snag the Travel magazine in NC while in VA if you are heading south to make sure your book has NC coupons.
7. Ask for a discount
People can only say No. Especially if you are staying a longer time, or over a Sunday, which is often vacant because vacationers are gone and the business people haven’t arrived yet
8. Decide whether to use a local Tourism Card
Don’t buy the Local Tourism Card unless you WANT to see enough places included to make it worth your while. Do you really want to go to 12 museums? Why not flip your thinking and see which ones you really want to go to – and have time for. Then tally how much that would cost to they see if there is a savings. If it’s close, personally I would pay individually to give me the flexibility NOT to go if serendipity leads me elsewhere. Buying the Tourism Card could make you feel compelled to go to as many as possible, thus making you frazzled.
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SAVE MONEY ON FOOD
9. Book a place with kitchen access or at least a frig and microwave
Try to eat one or two meals at home each day.
10. Shop like a local
Shop the farmer’s market, especially at the end of the day: they don’t want to pack it up so you’re liable to get a deal!
11. Go to the local’s stores
Shop their grocery stores, fish stores, bakerie, etc. and whip up something fresh!
12. Bring a foldable thermal bag
Have a picnic in the park or a bench! Bring a small foldable thermal bag and pack a sandwich and cold pack in your day bag so you don’t have to go to a restaurant for lunch.
13. Drink local
Don’t just eat local, drink local. Forget the imports, drink what they make there. Also take advantage of happy hours. In Iceland, the half price happy hour made at least a dent in the outrageous beer prices!
14. Pack a few reusable bags
Many stores charge you for bags, plus you save on plastic, so pack a couple of lightweight reusable bags.
15. Stock up on snacks
While at the stores, stock up on snacks so you don’t have to buy at an expensive store or restaurant. Bring snacks on the plane, too.
16. Bring a reusable filtered water bottle
Bring a water bottle so you can filter even the nastiest local water. Not only are you reducing one time use plastic waste, you are saving a TON of money. Empty it to go through airport security and then refill it on the other side to save in the airport, too!
17. Make lunch your main meal
In many places, lunch is cheaper than dinner, so take advantage of this and have your main meal mid-day.
18. Take home leftovers
And if you can’t eat everything you ordered, ask for a take away box, – you booked a room with a frig, right? In France, where ‘doggie bags’ are unusual, I once insisted because the leftovers where too delicious to waste. The chef washed out an ice cream container and put my shrimp dish leftovers in there for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it the next night (and I think the chef was secretly pleased that I was affronted that his fabulous meal would end in the trash:)
19. Choose a non-touristy restaurant
Pick a restaurant several blocks from the main town center, some call it the Six Block Rule. Not only will you probably get a much better meal because they depend on local repeat traffic, is is often cheaper. Another tip off that you’re considering a tourist restaurant is if it has a full English menu. If they are catering to tourists, its liable to be over-priced or not very good. Look to see who is sitting in the restaurant: Are they locals or tourists? You can using tell if not by face and hair, then by how the guests dress. Sites like Yelp!, and Foursquare can help you find restaurants.
20. Trade a translation for a meal
If you do happen to be in a restaurant that has a lousy English translation, offer to clean up the translation in exchange for a meal.
21. Eat street and truck food
If you want to save even more money, rather than a restaurant, eat the street and truck food that the locals eat. Important: Eat during the time that they are eating, so it’s crowded and the food is fresh. If there’s a line of locals, you can feel pretty confident in its sanitation.
22. Stay where breakfast is included
When comparing lodging, consider the savings of your room if breakfast is included.
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SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL LODGING
Be open to out of the box accommodations. Many lodging options are free or super inexpensive. Thanks to the internet, you can read reviews to narrow down your choice to options that will work for you.
How much time will you actually be in your room? I care about location, cleanliness and safety. When I travel on my own, I alternate between Airbnb and hostels. This gives me the best of both worlds. I get socialization at the hostels, and look for an Airbnb apartment or room or home with laundry facilities when I need quiet time and need to do my wash.
23. AirBnB and VRBO
Personal home lodging include room and entire place rentals usually of an individual’s home. I have had great success in a dozen countries using Airbnb (although I find their fees are making then much more expensive than they used to be). But you also often get to interact with locals and stay in a cool residential area away from the tourists, which is a bonus.
If you are traveling in a group, you may find that renting an entire home not only gives you more space including a living room and often a patio or yard, it can be cheaper than a hotel.
24. Hostels
Hostels are often not just a covered place to sleep, OR just for kids anymore. I have stayed in some superb hostels, often in my own private room. Plus I get the benefit of socializing in the common areas – which is great when I’m traveling solo. You can usually choose to stay in a same sex dorm, often en suite (you don’t share a bath down the hall). If you haven’t stayed in a hostel before or in a while, keep an open mind and visit HostelWorld to check them out. I personally rotate between Airbnb and Hostels depending on my mood.
25. Volunteer : Trade Work for Lodging
While many require a donation in order for you to volunteer, your room and board is covered and you get time off to explore. This can be a great way to really get to know an area. Be sure to read reviews as there are good and bad opportunities here and you want to make sure you get in a win-win agreement. There are other organizations like Worldpackers is an organization that charges an annual fee, but then connect you with free volunteer opportunities at lodging around the world. You work in exchange for your room and possibly board.
26. WWOOFING (sometimes WOOF or WWOOF)
The World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a global network that connects volunteers who want to learn about organic farming. You can volunteer at an organic farm in exchange for room and board.
27. Servas US and International
While not meant as a place to grab free lodging, Servas is a global organization with a mission to spread cultural communion. With Servas, vetted locals allow you to spend the night with them. The lodgers are also vetted: there is an interview and an annual fee, but no money exchanges hands when you stay with someone. However, as a good guest, you should bring a hostess gift or offer to buy a drink or dinner. It is meant to be a cultural exchange. My Avignon France host picked me up from the train, gave me a walking tour of her city, whipped up a fine meal and tucked me into a super comfy bed, then drove me back to the train station in the morning after breakfast. I brought her fancy chocolates and bought a beer during the tour.
28. Couchsurfing
Both hosts and guests are reviewed but not as thoroughly as Servas. Like Servas, Couchsurfing is a great was to hang out with locals and better understand the culture. While free, be a good guest and bring a hostess gift or offer to buy dinner or drinks.
29. Mountain Huts
In heavily hiked countries you will often find a mountain hut system, especially along multi-day treks. I stayed in a lovely hut in New Zealand that had communal mixed sex bunks and a kitchen to use. In New Hampshire in the White Mountains, the hut provided meals, too! Huts are most affordable and a great way to see remote areas. You need to bring a sleeping bag usually.
30. Avoid Solo Supplements
If you travel solo, many times you are charged the dreaded solo supplement fee. To avoid paying the supplement, choose a tour company that tries to pair you up with a same sex roommate, and if they can’t the supplement is waived. This is what I did with Active Adventures in New Zealand. For part of my adventure, they had a roommate for me, but on my North Island extension, I had my own room since I was the only solo female.
31. Find a Travel Partner
Another way to avoid the solo supplement AND have some company to share your adventure is to find a travel mate. There are new apps appearing regularly. Be sure to read this Solo Traveler article before you sign on with anyone.
32. House Swaps and House or Pet Sitting
These options are covered down below. And are free ways to live like a local!
33. Free Hotel Upgrades
It never hurts to ask (nicely) for a free upgrade when you check in, particularly if you are on a honeymoon, or celebrating a birthday or anniversary.
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SAVE MONEY ON CELL PHONES AND COMMUNICATION BACK HOME
34. Use Free Wifi
Take advantage of free wifi when possible and you won’t even need a SIM card. Keep your phone in airplane mode. Turn off DATA so you don’t get a huge bill because you forgot! Settings>Cellular> make sure your apps are NOT using data when you travel except for the ones you need.
Sometimes you can stand outside a business with password free wifi and use it. Don’t forget about public libraries. I’ve even asked hotel lobbies for access by truthfully telling them I was passing through and needed to check my mail. I’ve never been turned down. Be sure to use VPN – a virtual private network for security and never check sensitive sites, like your bank account when using public wifi without using a VPN.
You can call home FREE using wifi and apps like Whats App (FaceTime with Apple users)! Video, too!!!
35. Book your lodging only where they offer free wifi.
36. Turn off Wifi Assist
Important: Make sure that your cell phone has Wifi Assist in the OFF position. Otherwise your cell company will ‘helpfully’ use your data to boost your wifi. I ran up a $246 charge this way even though I only used wifi while traveling in Europe. I complained and got my money back, but to make sure you don’t get an unpleasant bill, go to your setting and turn Wifi Assist off.
37. Wifi To Go
If you MUST have internet access and don’t want to buy something at a cafe everytime you want to check your email or look up something online, check out a pocket WiFI system called Wifi To Go. This should be cheaper than a daily rate.
38. Buy a SIM card
If you own your phone (make sure the carrier unlocks it!) you can use a local SIM card on your unlocked phone. When you arrive at your destination, you can buy a cheap local Sim card to use while you are traveling.
39. Check your Cell Carrier Phone Plans
See what travel plans your carrier offers and compare BEFORE you go. Some offer cheap monthly rates for a single country. Some even offer free data and text with certain plans. Know before your go so you don’t get an unpleasant surprise!
SAVING MONEY ON SHOPPING AND MONEY WHEN TRAVELING
MONEY
40. Bring a Debit Card
Use a debit card at ATMs at a bank to get cash when traveling and choose one like Charles Schwab that reimburses any ATM fees that may be charged. These fees can really add up! Atms are the cheapest way to exchange currencies.
41. Use a Credit Card With No Foreigh Transaction Fee
When using a credit card, make sure to use one that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. This is especially important when you book a tour and you may not realize that the company is from a different country than yours until you see your credit card statement. I use a Capital One card.
SHOPPING
42. Buying Souvenirs
Get your souvenirs where the locals shop instead of the tourist stores or craft stores the tour companies take you to. Buy something the locals actually use instead of overpriced trinkets (such as dish towels).
43. Bargain
Negotiate when its expected but please don’t try to drive the hardest bargain in poorer countries – a small savings to you can mean a huge chunk of change to them. You won’t miss the money but you might buy an extra meal for a family.
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SAVE MONEY ON TRANSPORTATION WHEN YOU TRAVEL
44. Travel like a local
Sure Uber, Lyft and taxis are most places, but the costs add up. Travel like a local and use the public transport. I took the bus from the Boise airport to downtown for a buck. I also like using the trains. Especially in Europe, they are reliable and cost effective. Before you book your lodging, check to see how close it is to public transport so you don’t spend a lot of money getting to the attractions you’re planning to see
45. Pay attention to local transit routes
If a city you want to see is super expensive, think Reykjavik, Iceland, stay just outside town if they have fast, cheap transport. This is what my sister and I did and it saved us a ton of money. The regular bus ran often and affordably.
46. Use Ride Sharing apps
Ride with the locals using ride sharing apps to save big money. Google the location + ride sharing apps for the latest apps.
47. Use Loyalty Programs
Be strategic when you use your points or milage awards. Use them to book the most expensive flights. When appropriate, stay within the alliance of your favorite local airline so that you maximize your milage loyalty programs.
48. Take advantage of credit card Sign Up Bonuses
If you have no issues with credit/paying your bills at the end of the month, take advantage of credit card sign up bonuses, especially if they waive the annual fee the first year. You will need to spend a certain amount in a window of time to get the bonus, which is often enough to cover a round trip plane ticket. If there is an annual renewal fee that you don’t want to pay, be sure to put on your calendar a date to cancel it. Cancelling a credit card can alter your credit score. The Chase Sapphire card usually has great sign up bonus plans.
49. Find the cheapest flight to the region and then change to a Regional Airline
When you are traveling to another continent. Get over there the least expensive way and then switch to a cheap regional carrier. Google Flights is very helpful here. A quick glance told me that I could get a screaming good deal to Dublin or Madrid. And then once I cross the pond, I can get one of those ridiculous fares to get to where I am going – just watch those nasty baggage fees! You may want to stay in the first location a night to make sure that you don’t miss your connection due to delays. Your travel insurance would cover this, but the airline won’t help you if you miss your connection. Then take advantage of cheap regional airlines once you get there. Another great website to find cheap international flights is Vayama.
Learn how to buy Travel Insurance
50. Compare the price of One Way Tickets to Round Trip
See if there is a difference or savings. If your trip ends in a different location, you might save even more by not having to return to the trip origination point.
51. Consider alternate forms of transport
Instead of taking a car, how about walking, renting a bike or scooter and explore that way? Consider an entire Walking Holiday where your feet are the transportation as you explore new cultures.
If you must drive,
52. Compare auto rental costs
Use sites like AutoSlash to compare costs.
53. Road tripping from home savings
If you’re driving your own car, get it serviced before you go to so get best milage. Get the GasBuddy app to find the best deals on gas while on the road. You can save $0.10-$20 per gallon!
54. Consider OVERNIGHT transit.
Get to sleep for free or little extra cost plus save a day of your vacation since you are sleeping as you get from one place to the next.
55. Save on buying train tickets
Buy directly from the train websites when possible to avoid third party booking fees.
56. Travel during the shoulder season
Skip the high season and find deals across the board on airfare, tours and lodging! I prefer the shoulder seasons (usually spring and fall) not just to save money but also because its less crowded. The locals seem friendlier, too, when we tourists aren’t all bombarding them!
57. Buy the awful flights with the long layovers – to your advantage!
The awful flights that no one wants to take are the cheapest because no one wants the long layover. Save the money and store your bags in a locker at the airport . Then take a short tour of the city! If you don’t want to hang out in the airport or airline lounge (#58), maybe you can boom an airport hotel for a day rate to take a nap and shower and get some work done in privacy.
58. Buy an Airline or Airport Lounge Day Pass
Another option if you have a long layover: consider buying a day pass at the lounge. You can save a fortune on food and drinks, especially alcohol. I had a 12 hour layover in Seattle and because I had a Delta credit card, I was able to score a $29 day pass which meant I had three meals, my happy hour and a comfy place to sit all day. If you don’t qualify, check with an airport hotel to see if they have a day rate so you can at least tap a nap or relax in peace.
59. Stop Over-Packing!
Learn to travel with carry on only to save on the extra baggage fees. We wear the same things over and over again anyway, right? Travel carryon only and your bag will never miss the flight! Check out my Packing Lists here.
HAVE FLEXIBILITY
60. Find the deal first then choose the local destination
Pounce on an airfare deal or error fare and then decide what local destination and activities instead of the reverse.
61. Explore transportation options
Use the free Rome2Rio app to see what your transportation options even are. I LOVE this app and use it all the time. It tells you your options, the cost and the time it will take to get to your destination. You can often even book your transit with them.
62. Be open to Last Minute Deals
Tours that require upfront commitments by the tour company, like permits to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or cruise ships to Antarctica, mean that if the tour company doesn’t sell the space on the trip, they’ll incur an out of pocket loss. Thus, look for last minute deals, which could be as far as a couple of months out, like Margaret did for Antarctica.
Get on your favorite tour company email list so you learn about the deals first. ‘Like’ them on Facebook and Twitter so you’ll see their posts.
Sign up for Airfare Watchdog, The Flight Deal and Secret Flying, Sky Scanner
63. Be flexible on when you fly
Midweek travel is often cheaper… who says vacations HAVE to Start on a Monday? Look at airfares before you ask for time off. Use the pricing matrix on fare sights to find out which days of the week have the cheapest flights to your destination.
64. Choose destinations having a “Currency Sale”
Choose your destination based on how strong your currency is compared to theirs. Right now is a great time for US citizens to travel internationally as the dollar is strong. Argentina super cheap for us right now, as is most of the world. When your currency is strong, travel internationally. When it is weak, travel domestically and save big money!
65. Trade your time for money
Part of the cost of a tour is that they have figured out the logistics for you and deserve to be compensated for that. Thus you are trading your money for their time to do so. If you LIKE planning – which I do not – then you can often plan a similar itinerary and save some money. Sign up for the Active Travel Adventures Monthly Newsletter to get FREE Travel Planners for all destinations covered which will make it much easier to self-plan your trip! These one page planners have active links so you have everything you need in one place!
66. Alter your mindset about what kind of trip to take
Not every vacation has to be to fancy cities or beach resorts. I discovered adventure travel and it changed my life! Here are a few REALLY inexpensive alternatives to capitals and beach resorts:
Walking Holidays – YOU are the transportation and you are FREE! Often, depending on the country, it can be cheaper for you to go on a walking holiday than to stay home. Two of my favorite walking holidays are the West Highland Way in Scotland and the Cotswold Way in England.
Camping or Backpacking Trips: There are many places that are FREE to camp in the US, like many US Forest and BLM land (this is called Boondocking). Many places in Europe allow wild camping for free as well. Example: Scotland
There are many destinations that offer free camping featured on the Active Travel Adventures website and podcast.
Home Exchange or House Sitting Live like a local and use a local’s home as your base camp. There are companies that help you find a home swap, like Home Exchange. If you are not comfortable doing that, consider house or pet sitting. My husband and I dog sat in a beautiful beach home in Costa Rica for two months. The couple got a free dog sitter, we got a fabulous house! There are opportunities to plant and pet sit all over the world, especially in the UK and Australia, where it is considered normal. One good resource is Trusted Housesitters.
OTHER COST SAVINGS
67. Get the local scoop on what things should cost
Ask your host or a local how much things should cost, from a ride to the airport to a hiking guide, to make sure you aren’t overcharged for your ignorance. Have them hail and negotiate the cab fare. Ask also about tipping guidelines if you forgot to look it up beforehand.
68. Save on laundry
Pack a small zip bag of laundry soap to avoid buying a big box while traveling or the overpriced laundromat soap. I usually book an Airbnb with a washer and dryer periodically so I can easily do my wash. Not only do I save ten bucks, I can do my laundry in the comfort of my pad.
69. Consider Slow Travel
Your most expensive items when traveling tend to be transportation. Plus you spend a lot of time getting from one place to the other. You’ll be less frazzled and save a ton of money if you slow down and don’t try to see an entire country or region in a sinlge trip. Stay in places longer and put that savings into activities! If you stay in one place longer, you can often reduce your daily lodging costs, especially with places like Airbnb where the cleaning fee is the same if you are there a day or a week.
BONUS TIP
Studies have shown that how we remember our vacations often depend on the last part of the trip. So save any splurges until then, whether a fancy restaurant or activity. Since we get to enjoy and relieve our travels for years to come, make sure your last few memories are spectacular so that you maximize your future enjoyment!
Learn about exciting adventure travel destinations by listening to the Active Travel Adventures podcast on any podcast app or by using the handy SEARCH above in the header. You can search by continent, activity and time of year that you can travel.
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